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Best Way to Mix Peat Moss Into Raised Bed

3 months ago
last modified: 3 months ago

I have had problems keeping Scottish Heather alive in my zone 9b climate, planted in a well-drained bark soil. I did bring the pH of the soil to around 5.6, although Heather prefers it around 4.5. The plants are just not hanging on in that soil and quickly go South.

Talking to several Scottish gardeners, they recommend a soil mix of 50% peat moss and 50% sandy loam. Peat moss tends to dry out rapidly, and once it is dry can be very difficult to rehydrate. What kind of soil mix that is heavily slanted towards peat moss would others recommend, that would not dry out as much? I am thinking of adding about 10% turface.

My strategy going forward is going to be to:

1) Give the planting hole a more native soil mix with lots of peat moss

2) Provide the plants with shade behind a large rock while they establish

3) Provide dedicated drip irrigation around the plant

4) Provide a thick mulch layer

Any problems with this or other ideas?

The first photo is a plant in the ground, quickly dying. The second photo is a plant still in its original pot, kept in a saucer with water, and it is thriving.




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